In Taoism, wu wei describes action through non-forcing or effortless action.
Written 無為 in Chinese, wu wei literally combines ideas of “not” or “without” with “doing” or “acting.” In Taoist philosophy, it does not usually mean complete inactivity. It refers to acting in accordance with the Dao and the circumstances, without contrived force, excessive interference, or artificial striving.
The idea appears prominently in the Tao Te Ching and is also important in the Zhuangzi. Taoist political writing sometimes applies wu wei to rulership: a wise ruler avoids unnecessary intervention and allows social and natural processes to develop with less coercion.
English translations such as “non-action,” “effortless action,” and “action without forced effort” capture different aspects of the term. Wu wei is often confused with passive laziness, but that interpretation misses its emphasis on skillful timing, spontaneity, and harmony with changing conditions.